+1/this. I didn't like the new gmail at first, who likes when the things they use everyday change. But "pop out reply" is fantastic, for exactly the reason you

+1/this. I didn't like the new gmail at first, who likes when the things they use everyday change. But "pop out reply" is fantastic, for exactly the reason you cite: I can my emails search for context, for additional info, and move seamlessly back and forth between the compose area and the email area - it's like having a non-intrusive "always on top" window for note taking when doing research.